Long time lurker, first time caller... Recently scored a WM3 18" rim cheap. Been looking since I found out the rear on my 1971 Commando project was bent. Now the real question is... Can I just get spokes for an atlas from Andover and lace er up, or will I need different / custom ones since it's WM3 instead of WM2? My thinking is width shouldn't matter since the spokes are in the center right? I've done wheels before but never changed both diameter and width... thanks in advance all you DIY 18" converters out there-
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The Atlas used the 18 inch rim with the drum hub so use Atlas spokes. For the US use Buchanan's stainless spokes with nickel plated brass nipples. Wmx makes no difference but the offset to rim edge will be affected by the rim being wider.
Wheel offsets as measured by RGM over the years.
Wheel offsets as measured by RGM over the years.
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The old britts wheel info page says that the offset is 3/16 to the right side, which would be about .187 decimally, which is close to the RGM chart's .200 offset. So, taken further down the road, the difference in witdth between the original WM2(1.85) and the WM3(2.15) would be .300 inches. So does the offset become 1/2 inch right side (.200 original + .300 width difference new) or would one have to divide the .3 by half for rim center to flange, making the offset .337(11/16ish)? We may be on to something here! Thanks again for the reply kommando-
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I hope it's a rim that has been punched/drilled to suit the Norton hub and not just some odd 18" rim? Also check the nipple hole size and make sure you order the correct size nipples. The originals were .250", however, Buchanans also supply an odd .281" nipple size that the factory never used.
https://www.buchananspokes.com/products/spoke_kits_norton.asp
Guess I shoulda included all the info- yes, it's a new, never used CWC 18" WM3(2.15), on the packaging listed as "Norton full width rear hub (Commando / Atlas / Dominator Models)" and has a Norton Part number 06-7383. I figure it'll probably take the .250's, need to measure. Have to put in an order to Andover for some other stuff, but you guys think I should go with buchanan's spokes? The cost vs. Andover's is quite a difference, but if its worth it... well, only the best for my precious...
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Could that actually be 06-7838?
Page 12.
marshg246
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Your best bet is to order the spoke set from CWC! Their rims have compatible punches but not necessarily original Norton punches.
BTW, CWC like others has different rims in WM3. If they are what CWC calls "British Chrome" then they are the Dunlop/Jones profile. You can study all this on their web site and get the correct spokes.
